West Kelowna, BC - RICHARD BRUCE CHAMBERS, 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home, on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Gladys (Fults) Chambers, brother Jim Chambers, and sister Dixie Roy. Survived by his children, Laura Chambers, Anne Bilow, Kevin Chambers (wife Mel White) and Norma Jean Maxwell (husband, Robert Maxwell), grandchildren, Alyssa Chambers, Sherene Betson, Kannon and Ryder Maxwell and step-grandchildren, Samantha, Courtney and Brad White, great-grandchildren Darian Smith-Chambers, Kyra Chambers and Dixie Betson, step great-grandson, Jayten White, sister Lorraine Hatch and brother David Chambers (wife Louise), along with many, many nieces, nephews and friends. He was born in his grandfather's stone house outside Maryfield, Saskatchewan on Feb 13, 1918, the son of Fredrick and Violet Chambers. His early years were spent working hard on the farm. At the age of 15 he and his older brother, Jim moved the family belongings 800 miles to Buriss, in Northern Ontario by horse and wagon where he farmed until leaving home to help support the family. A hardworker, he trained and drove horses, cut pulpwood, dug ditches, guided, worked the iron and gold mines, and a variety of other manual jobs until the war called him to duty. He bravely served in heavy artillery for four years until the war was won. Shortly after he came home he married and had his family. His heart was in farming but eventually he left the farm that he had helped homestead, and went into dredging, moving the family to the West Coast to pursue that career. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to the Okanagan, an area they were both happy to call home. Bruce was a man of many talents. He was a wonderful, self-taught musician and loved to share his music. He was also a great carpenter and enjoyed working with wood. He loved a game of cards and had an incredible lucky streak! He was notorious for his homemade wines and quick sense of humour. Bruce was a man of honour who loved his family very much and always put them first. He lived his life with integrity and pride. A special thanks to "his girls" at Smith Creek. No immediate memorial service will be held.
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